Somerset Council has announced a scaled-back summer closure of the A361 Main Road in Burrowbridge, a vital connection over the Somerset Levels. Originally planned for a full closure from late July through the summer holidays, the shutdown will now begin in early August, following concerns raised by local residents.
The A361 links Taunton with numerous Somerset villages and connects to both the A39 towards Street and Glastonbury and the A372 to Langport. The council’s ongoing upgrade of traffic signals across the region includes replacing the aging lights on the bridge spanning the River Parrett in Burrowbridge. These signals, in service for over 30 years, are nearing the end of their operational life, risking potential failures and significant traffic disruption.
Work on the project starts on June 29 with temporary traffic lights managing traffic flow. The full road closure was initially scheduled for July 23 but has been delayed until August 3. This change accommodates urgent BT Openreach works on the A378 Bow Street in Langport from July 27 to August 2, avoiding simultaneous closures on two key routes to Taunton.
During the closure from August 3 to September 2, the A361 will be shut both ways, but pedestrian crossings and access for residents and businesses, including The King Alfred Inn, will be maintained. The council will widen kerbs near the bridge to improve pedestrian access linking the main road with the River Parrett Trail. Additional upgrades include replacing the signalized crossing on the bridge’s western side and repairing kerbs on the eastern approach. A resurfacing of a long section of the A361 is planned to enhance the driving experience in and around Burrowbridge and close to the National Trust-managed Burrow Mump.
Councillor David Fothergill of the Monkton and North Curry division welcomed the rescheduling on social media, noting the adjustment avoids overlapping with other scheduled roadworks in Langport.
Detours will direct traffic to reroute via the A361 to Walford Cross, then the A38 through North Petherton, across Bridgwater town centre, and on the A372 to Westonzoyland and Othery. This diversion may add up to 21 miles each way for motorists traveling east of Burrowbridge to Taunton. While smaller vehicles might use local roads to shorten travel distances, these will not be part of the official diversion.
Residents can contact the project’s public liaison officer, Syed Shah, at [email protected] or by calling 07812 449605 for updates throughout the scheme.